Protection  apparatus

ABSTRACT

An apparatus is disclosed for protecting a user&#39;s face, neck and/or ears. The protection apparatus includes a pliable draping material coupleable to a helmet. The pliable draping material includes a helmet engaging portion and a protection portion coupled to the helmet engaging portion. The protection portion protects at least one of a user&#39;s mouth, neck, and ears. The protection apparatus also includes a coupling element that couples the helmet engaging portion of the draping material to a band. The band is engageable with at least one clip on an outer surface of the helmet to removeably couple the protection apparatus to the helmet.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/635,763 entitled “PROTECTION APPARATUS” and filed on Apr. 19, 2012 for Kenneth Stuart Eley, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to insulation and protection and more particularly relates to an apparatus for insulating and protecting a user wearing a helmet.

BACKGROUND

A helmet is a form of protective gear worn on the head to protect it from injuries. Helmets are used for recreational activities and sports (e.g., rock climbing, jockeys in horse racing, American football, ice hockey, cricket, baseball, etc.); dangerous work activities (e.g., search and rescue personnel, construction, mining, riot police, etc.); and transportation (e.g., Motorcycle helmets and bicycle helmets). Outdoor recreational enthusiasts, search and rescue personnel, and others often wear a helmet to protect their head from falling debris or in case of a fall.

Helmets used for different purposes have different designs. For example, a bicycle helmet must protect against blunt impact forces from the wearer's head striking the road. A helmet designed for rock climbing must protect against heavy impact, and against objects such as small rocks and climbing equipment falling from above. Practical concerns also dictate helmet design: a bicycling helmet should be aerodynamic in shape and well ventilated, while a rock climbing helmet must be lightweight and small so that it does not interfere with climbing.

Some helmets have other protective elements attached to them, such as a face visors or goggles or a face cage. Sports helmets may have an integrated metal face protector (face cage). However, none of the conventional helmets provide protection from the elements. For those individuals participating in activities requiring a helmet during the winter months, exposure to the elements becomes a major concern. The conventional helmets do not provide insulation to keep the user warm and typically do not protect a user's face and neck from the elements.

The suspension system inside a protective helmet acts as a shock absorber to absorb impact force and should be properly adjusted to the user's head. Interference from a material used to insulate the face, neck, or both, placed on the users head between the users head and the suspension system, may interfere with the proper adjustment of the suspension system and therefor poses a safety risk from an improperly fitted suspension system. Additionally, the chin strap is used to maintain the helmet on the users head. Interference with the chinstrap should be avoided. Otherwise the chin strap has a possibility of coming off during a fall, or by being struck by an object.

SUMMARY

From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for insulating a user wearing a helmet. Beneficially, such an apparatus, system, and method would both insulate and protect the user's face, neck, or both. As an added benefit the insulating a protection apparatus would not interfere with the suspension system or chin strap of a conventional protective helmet.

The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available neck and face insulators and protectors. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide an apparatus for protecting and insulating a user's neck and face that overcome many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art.

The protection apparatus, in one embodiment, includes a pliable draping material coupleable to a helmet. The pliable draping material includes a helmet engaging portion and a protection portion coupled to the helmet engaging portion. The protection portion protects at least one of a user's mouth, neck, and ears. The protection apparatus also includes a coupling element that couples the helmet engaging portion of the draping material to a band. The band is engageable with at least one clip on an outer surface of the helmet to removeably couple the protection apparatus to the helmet.

In certain embodiments, the engagement between the band and the at least one clip removeably couples the pliable draping material to the helmet. In another embodiment, the protection apparatus includes an adjusting member engageable with the band. In such an embodiment the adjusting member adjusts a tension between the band and an outer circumference of the helmet.

In another embodiment, the band is an accessory band for coupling an accessory to the helmet. In such an embodiment the coupling element couples the helmet engaging portion of the draping material to the accessory band without interfering with an engagement between the accessory band and the at least one clip.

The coupling element, in one embodiment, includes at least one loop of fabric coupled to the helmet engaging portion of the draping material. In such an embodiment the band is positionable through the at least one loop of fabric and is engageable with the at least one clip on the outer surface of the helmet.

In another embodiment, a protection apparatus coupleable to a helmet is disclosed. The protection apparatus includes a draping material and a coupling element. The draping material includes a helmet engaging portion and a protection portion. The protection portion is positioned opposite the helmet engaging portion. The helmet engaging portion and the protection portion are made of a pliable fabric with the helmet engaging portion positionable about an outer circumference of a helmet. The protection portion protects at least one of a user's mouth, neck, and ears when the draping material is coupled to the helmet and the helmet is worn by the user. In certain embodiments, the coupling element couples the helmet engaging portion of the draping material to a band. In such an embodiment the band is positionable about the outer circumference of the helmet and is engageable with at least one clip on an outer surface of the helmet. Engagement of the band with the at least one clip maintains a coupling between the draping material and the helmet.

In one embodiment, the protection apparatus includes a band positionable about the circumference of the helmet. The band is engageable with the at least one clip on the outer surface of the helmet. The band maintains the coupling between the draping material and the helmet. In another embodiment, the protection apparatus includes an adjusting member engageable with the band. In such an embodiment the adjusting member adjusts a tension between the band and the outer circumference of the helmet.

In certain embodiments, the band is an accessory band for coupling an accessory to the helmet. In such an embodiment the coupling element couples the helmet engaging portion of the draping material to the accessory band without interfering with an engagement between the accessory band and the at least one clip.

The coupling element, in one embodiment, includes at least one loop of fabric coupled to the helmet engaging portion of the draping material. In such an embodiment the band is positionable through the at least one loop of fabric and engageable with the at least one clip on the outer surface of the helmet. In another embodiment, the helmet engaging portion of the draping material includes at least one extension of fabric extending from an end of the helmet engaging portion opposite the protection portion of the draping material. The at least one extension of fabric positionable around the band to couple the draping material to the band. In yet another embodiment, the coupling element comprises an attachment, wherein the attachment couples the at least one extension to the helmet engaging portion of the draping material to form a loop around the band.

The protection apparatus, in certain embodiments, includes a facemask removably coupleable to the protection portion of the draping material. In such an embodiment the facemask protects a user's nose when the facemask is coupled to the draping material.

In a further embodiment, the helmet engaging portion of the draping material includes a first type of fabric and the protection portion of the draping material comprises a second type of material. In one embodiment, the first type of material comprises an elastic material that resiliently conforms to a shape of the helmet. In another embodiment the draping material is insulated. In a further embodiment, the draping material is water resistant. In yet another embodiment, the draping material is fire retardant.

A pliable draping material that is coupleable to a helmet is also disclosed. In certain embodiments, the pliable draping material includes a helmet engaging portion, a protection portion, a band, and a coupling element. The protection portion is coupled to the helmet engaging portion and protects at least one of a user's mouth, neck, and ears. The band is positionable about a circumference of the helmet and is engageable with at least one clip on an outer surface of the helmet. The coupling element couples the helmet engaging portion of the draping material to the band.

In one embodiment, the band is an accessory band for coupling an accessory to the helmet. In such an embodiment, the coupling element couples the helmet engaging portion of the draping material to the accessory band without interfering with an engagement between the accessory band and the at least one clip.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a helmet according to one embodiment of the present subject matter;

FIG. 2 depicts a right side view of a helmet according to one embodiment of the present subject matter;

FIG. 3 depicts a right side view of a protection apparatus according to one embodiment of the present subject matter;

FIG. 4 depicts a right side view of a protection apparatus according to one embodiment of the present subject matter;

FIG. 5 depicts the protection apparatus of FIG. 4 according to one embodiment of the present subject matter;

FIG. 6A depicts a rear view of a facemask according to one embodiment of the present subject matter;

FIG. 6B depicts a side view of a facemask according to one embodiment of the present subject matter;

FIG. 7A depicts a top view of a clip according to one embodiment of the present subject matter;

FIG. 7B depicts a rear view of a clip according to one embodiment of the present subject matter;

FIG. 7C depicts a side view of a clip according to one embodiment of the present subject matter;

FIG. 7D depicts a top view of a band engaged with a clip according to one embodiment of the present subject matter; and

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of a helmet according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided for a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a helmet 100 according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. The helmet 100 depicted in FIG. 1 is representative of a conventional climbing helmet. In certain embodiments, the subject matter discussed herein may be used with any type of helmet.

A conventional climbing helmet 100 typically includes a protective shell 102 made of a durable material that can withstand an impact from a rock or other falling debris. Common materials used for the protective shell 102 include metals, polycarbonate or ABS plastics, fiberglass, and carbon fiber.

The protective shell 102 includes an outer surface 104 disposed opposite a inner surface 106. In certain embodiments, the protective shell 102 is substantially dome shaped. A harness 106 is coupled to the inner surface 106 of the protective shell 102 and conforms to a user's head when the helmet 100 is worn by a user. The harness maintains a gap between the user's head and the inner surface 106 of the protective shell 102 such that the protective shell floats a predefined distance away from the user's head. If the protective shell 102 is struck by a rock or other falling debris, the floating system of the harness 108 allows the protective shell 102 to shift position on the user's head without actually contacting the user's head. In this manner, the protective shell 102 can absorb the impact from the rock or other falling debris without injury to the user.

In certain embodiments, the play between the harness 108 and the protective shell 102 may be enough to allow the inner surface 106 of the protective shell 102 to contact the user's head. Therefore, in one embodiment, the inner surface 106 of the protective shell 102 may be lined with a foam or other impact absorbing material to absorb the impact force created between the inner surface 106 of the protective shell 102 and the user's head.

Coupling straps 110 extend below a brim 112 of the helmet 100. A chin strap 114 is coupled to the coupling straps 110 to attach the helmet 100 to the user's head. In certain embodiments, the chin strap 114 is removably coupled to the coupling straps by a buckle 116 at one end and an adjustment member 118 at the other end. The buckle 116 and the adjustment member 118 allow for adjustment of the length of the chin strap 114 to properly position the helmet 100 on the user's head.

In certain embodiments, the protective shell 102 includes a plurality of vents 120 that extend through the protective shell 102 from the outer surface 104 to the inner surface 106. Typically, an adjustable blocking member (not shown) is movably positioned within the vents 120 to allow a user to open and close the vents 120 depending on the temperature in the environment where the helmet 100 is used.

When the user of the helmet 100 will be using the helmet at night or in other conditions where visibility may be limited, the user may wish to attach a headlamp 124 or other accessory to the helmet 100. Accordingly, a helmet 100 may include one or more clips 122 integrally formed on or coupled to the outer surface 104 of the protective shell 102 to attach the headlamp 124 or other accessory to the outer surface 104 of the protective shell 102.

In certain embodiments, the one or more clips 122 are configured to engage a band 126 attached to the headlamp 124 or other accessory. In certain embodiments, the clips 122 include a top retaining element 128 and a bottom retaining element 130. To attach the headlamp 124 or other accessory to the helmet 100, the band 126 of the headlamp 124 or other accessory is positioned around the outer circumference of the helmet 100 and is engaged with the clips 122 by slipping the band 126 through the slot 132 between the top retaining element 128 and the bottom retaining element 130. The band 126 is then positioned under the top retaining element 128 and the bottom retaining element 130 of the clips 122 to inhibit removal of the band 126 from around the circumference of the helmet 100.

The top retaining element 128 of the clips 122 keep the band 126 from slipping off the top of the helmet 100 in the direction indicated by arrow 134. The bottom retaining element 130 of the clips 122 keep the band 126 from slipping off the bottom of the helmet 100 in the direction indicated by arrow 136. In this manner, the clips 122 keep the band 126 of the headlamp 124 or other accessory positioned about the circumference of the helmet 100.

In certain embodiments, the clips 122 may only include a top retaining element 128. The top retaining element 128 may keep the band 126 of the headlamp 124 or other accessory from slipping off of the top of the helmet 100 in the direction indicated by arrow 134. In such an embodiment the brim 112 of the helmet 100 may have a circumference that is large enough to keep the band 126 from slipping off of the bottom of the helmet 100 in the direction indicated by arrow 136.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of a helmet 200 according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the helmet 200 is substantially similar to the helmet 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 except that the helmet 200 does not include coupling straps 110. In such an embodiment the helmet 200 may simply rest on the user's head 202 without being attached under the user's chin 204.

The helmet 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 includes a number of clips 206 coupled to or integral with the outer surface 104 of the protective shell 102. The clips 206 illustrated in FIG. 2 are different from the clips 110 illustrated in FIG. 1 in that the clips 206 only include a top retaining element 208 which keeps the band 126 of the headlamp 124 from being removed from the top helmet 200 in the direction indicated by arrow 210.

In certain embodiments, the brim 112 of helmet 200 has a circumference substantially larger than a circumference of any other portion on the rest of the helmet 200. The substantially larger circumference of the brim 112 of the helmet 200 keeps the band 126 of the headlamp 124 from sliding down off of the helmet 200 in the direction indicated by arrow 212. Thus, the band 126 of the headlamp 124 is kept in place by cooperation of the clips 206 and the brim 112 of the helmet 200.

FIG. 3 depicts a right side view of a protection apparatus 300 according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. In certain embodiments, the protection apparatus 300 includes a draping material 302 and a coupling element 304.

In certain embodiments, the draping material 302 is coupleable to a helmet 200. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the helmet 200 is substantially similar to the helmet 200 depicted in FIG. 2. Thus, in certain embodiments, the draping material 302 may be coupled to a helmet 200 that does not include retaining straps 110. In such an embodiment the draping material 302 may include a strap (not shown) that couples the helmet 200 to the user's head 202. In other embodiments, the draping material may be coupled to the helmet 200 without coupling the helmet 200 to the user's head 202.

While the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 depicts the helmet 200 as being a helmet substantially similar to the helmet 200 depicted in FIG. 2, one of skill in the art ill recognize that in certain embodiments, the protection apparatus 300 may be couplable to a helmet like the helmet 100 depicted in FIG. 1. In one embodiment, the protection apparatus 300 may be coupleable to any helmet that is configured to receive a band 126 of a headlamp 124 or other accessory.

The draping material 302, in one embodiment, includes a helmet engaging portion 306 and a protection portion 308. In certain embodiments, the helmet engaging portion 306 and the protection portion 308 are made of a pliable fabric. In one embodiment, the helmet engaging portion 306 of the draping material 302 and the protection portion 308 of the draping material 302 are a singular piece of material. In other embodiments, the helmet engaging portion 306 of the draping material 302 is made of a first type of fabric and the protection portion 308 of the draping material 302 is made of a second type of material. In either embodiment, the helmet engaging portion 306 is positionable about an outer circumference of a helmet 200 and the protection portion 308 hangs from the helmet engaging portion 306 to protect at least one of a user's mouth, neck, and ears from falling debris and/or the elements when the draping material 302 is coupled to the helmet 200 and the helmet 200 is worn by the user.

As discussed above, in certain embodiments the helmet engaging portion 306 of the draping material 302 may be made of a first type of material and the protection portion 308 of the draping material 302 may be made of a second type of material. For example, in one embodiment, the first type of material (i.e., the material that makes up the helmet engaging portion 306 of the draping material 302) may be an elastic material such as neoprene, lycra, etc. The elastic material resiliently conforms to the shape of the helmet 200 to maintain the draping material 302 in position as the user in attaches the draping material 302 to the helmet 200.

In other embodiments, only a portion of the helmet engaging portion 306 may be elastic. For example, in one embodiment, an elastic band (not shown) may be coupled to the helmet engaging portion 306 and configured to encircle the helmet 200 and resiliently conform to the shape of the helmet 200. In either embodiment, the elastic material of the helmet engaging portion 306 of the draping material 302 may help a user keep the draping material 302 positioned on the helmet 200 as the user couples the draping material 302 to the helmet 200.

The protection portion 308 of the draping material 302 is positioned opposite the helmet engaging portion 306 of the draping material 302 such that the protection portion 308 hangs from the helmet 200 when the draping material 302 is coupled to the helmet 200. The protection portion 308 protects at least one of a user's mouth, neck, and ears when the draping material 302 is coupled to the helmet 200 and the helmet 200 is worn by the user.

The protection portion 308 of the draping material 302 may be made of various materials that provide different types of protection for the user. For example, in one embodiment, the protection portion 308 of the draping material 302 may be made of an insulating material to insulate the user's mouth, neck, and/or ear's from cold or hot temperatures. In another embodiment, the protection portion 308 of the draping material 302 may be made of a water resistant or waterproof material to protect the user's mouth, neck, and/or ear's from dripping or running water. In yet another embodiment, the protection portion 308 of the draping material 302 may be made of a material that is fire retardant to protect the user from an open flame or extreme heat.

The protection portion 308 of the draping material 302 encircles the user's head 202 to protect the user's head from falling debris and/or from elemental conditions such as cold or hot temperatures. In one embodiment, the protection portion 308 of the draping material extends to the user's neck 320 and wraps around the user's neck 320 to protect the user's neck 320 from falling debris and/or from elemental conditions such as cold or hot temperatures. In certain embodiments, the protection portion 308 of the draping material includes a chin protection portion 322 that wraps around the user's chin 204 (FIG. 2) to protect the user's chin 204 from falling debris and/or from elemental conditions such as cold or hot temperatures.

As further discussed below, in one embodiment, the chin portion 322 may include a tension adjusting element 402 (FIG. 4) that allows a user to adjust a tension with which the protection portion 308 wraps around the user's neck 320 and chin 204. By adjusting the tension with which the protection portion 308 wraps around the user's neck 320 and chin 204, the user can block out cold or hot temperatures to keep the user comfortable when wearing the protection apparatus 300.

In certain embodiments, the coupling element 304 couples the helmet engaging portion 306 of the draping material 302 to the band 126 of the headlamp 124. As discussed above, the band 126 is positionable about the outer circumference of the helmet 200 and is engageable with the clips 206 on the outer surface 104 of the protective shell 102. By engaging the band 126 of the headlamp 124 with the clips 206 on the outer surface 104 of the protective shell 102, the band 126 is maintained in position on the protective shell 102. That is, the band cannot slide off of the top of the helmet 200 in the direction indicated by arrow 310. Similarly, because the brim 112 of the helmet 200 has a circumference that is substantially larger than the rest of the helmet 200, the brim keeps the band 126 from sliding down off of the helmet 200 in the direction indicated by arrow 312. By coupling the helmet engaging portion 306 of the draping material 302 to the band 126, the draping material 302 is coupled to the helmet 200 and cannot slide off the top or bottom of the helmet 200. Thus, the band 126, in cooperation with the clips 206, maintains the coupling between the draping material 302 and the helmet 200.

While the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 depicts a helmet 200 having clips 206 that only include a top retaining element 208 which keeps the band 126 of the headlamp 124 from being removed from the top helmet 200 in the direction indicated by arrow 210, one of skill in the art will recognize that in other embodiments, the clips 206 may also include a bottom retaining element substantially similar to the bottom retaining elements 130 of clips 122. In such an embodiment the bottom retaining elements 130 keep the band 126 from sliding down off of the bottom of the helmet 200 in the direction indicated by arrow 312.

In certain embodiments, each coupling element 304 is an extension 314 of the helmet engaging portion 306 of the draping material 302 that is folded back onto the helmet engaging portion 306 and coupled to the helmet engaging portion 306 to form a loop 316 of material. The extensions 314 extend from an end of the helmet engaging portion 306 opposite the protection portion 308 of the draping material 302. The extensions 314 are positionable around the band 126 of the headlamp 124 to couple the draping material 302 to the band 126.

In an exemplary embodiment, the helmet engaging portion 306 of the draping material 302 also includes a series of access points 318 that allow access to the clips 206. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the access points 318 are areas above the helmet engaging portion 306 of the draping material 302 that do not include extensions 314. The access points 318 allow a user to access the clips 206 to engage the band 126 of the headlamp 124 with the clips 206 even when the draping material 302 is coupled to the band 126.

In one embodiment, the extensions 314 are sewn or otherwise permanently coupled to the helmet engaging portion 306 to form the loops 316. In such an embodiment the band 126 of the headlamp 124 is thread through the loops 316 to couple the coupling elements 304 to the band 126. In other embodiments, the extensions 314 are removably coupled to the helmet engaging portion 306 of the draping material 302 by Velcro, snaps, etc. In such an embodiment the extensions 314 may be positioned around the band 126 of the headlamp 124 and then removably coupled to the helmet engaging portion 306 of the draping material 302 to couple the coupling elements 304 to the band 126.

FIG. 4 depicts a right side view of a protection apparatus 400 according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. In certain embodiments, the protection apparatus 400 includes a draping material 404, at least one coupling element 406, and a band 408.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the protection apparatus 400 is depicted as being coupled to a helmet 200 that is substantially similar to the helmet 200 discussed above with reference to FIG. 2. One of skill in the art will recognize that in other embodiments, the protection apparatus 400 may be coupleable to a helmet like the helmet 100 discussed above with reference to FIG. 1. In certain embodiments, the protection apparatus 400 may be coupleable to any helmet known in the art.

The draping material 404, in certain embodiments, includes a helmet engaging portion 410 positioned opposite a protection portion 412. In one embodiment, the helmet engaging portion 410 and the protection portion 412 are made of a pliable fabric. As with the draping material 302 of apparatus 300, in certain embodiments, the helmet engaging portion 410 and the protection portion 412 are made of a single piece of material. In other embodiments, the helmet engaging portion 410 and the protection portion 412 of the draping material 404 may be made of different types of materials coupled to one another.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the coupling elements 406 are loops of fabric or other material that are coupled to the helmet engaging portion 410 of the draping material 404 at a position opposite the protection portion 412 of the draping material 404. The band 408 is positionable through the loops of the coupling elements 406 and is engageable with the clips 206 on the outer surface 104 of the helmet 200. The clips 206 keep the band 408 positioned on the helmet 200 and inhibit removal of the band 408 off of the top of the helmet 200 in the direction indicated by arrow 414. The brim 112 of the helmet 200, having a larger circumference than the rest of the helmet 200, inhibits removal of the band 408 off of the bottom of the helmet 200 in the direction indicated by arrow 416. By coupling the loops of the coupling elements 406 to the band 408, removal of the draping material 404 from the helmet 200 is likewise inhibited.

Because the coupling elements 406 are relatively small, the clips 206 remain accessible. Thus, the user can access the clips 206 to engage the band 408 with the clips 206 to inhibit removal of the band 408 in the directions indicated by arrows 414 and 416.

In certain embodiments, the band 408 is a continuous loop of material positioned through the loops of the coupling elements 406 and sized to circumvent the outer surface 104 of the helmet 200. In another embodiment, the band 408 may be made of an elastic material that stretches to accommodate the circumference of the helmet 200 at a position adjacent the clips 206.

In one embodiment, the apparatus 400 includes an adjusting member 418 that is engageable with the band 408 to adjust a tension between the band 408 and the outer circumference of the helmet 200. In such an embodiment the coupling between the band 408 and the helmet 200 is enhanced by tightening the tension between the band 408 and the outer circumference of the helmet.

In certain embodiments, the adjusting member 418 may include a length of hook and loop fastening material coupled to each end of the band 408. To increase the tension between the band 408 and the helmet 200, the band 408 is stretched around the outer circumference of the helmet 200 and the hook and loop fastening material at each end of the band 408 is coupled to one another. In other embodiments, the adjusting member 418 may include a conventional buckling member such as a clasp, a buckle trim or slide, a belt buckle, a slide release buckle, a cam buckle, etc.

As discussed above, in certain embodiments, the chin protection portion 322 of the draping material 404 may include a tension adjusting element 402 that allows a user to adjust a tension with which the protection portion 308 wraps around the user's neck 320 and chin 204. In one embodiment, the tension adjusting element 402 may include a length of hook and loop fastening material coupled to two ends of the chin protection portion 322. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 only a first end 422 of the chin protection portion 322 can be seen, in certain embodiments a second end (not shown) of the chin protection portion 322 is a mirror image of the first end 422. By adjusting the tension with which the protection portion 308 wraps around the user's neck 320 and chin 204, the user can block out cold or hot temperatures to keep the user comfortable when wearing the protection apparatus 400.

As further discussed below with reference to FIGS. 5-6B, in certain embodiments, the apparatus 400 may include a facemask 502. In such an embodiment the facemask 502 is removably coupleable to the protection portion 308 of the draping material 404. The facemask 502 protects a user's nose 424 and cheeks 426 when the facemask 502 is coupled to the draping material 404.

In certain embodiments, the facemask 502 is removably coupled to the draping material 404 by one or more facemask coupling elements 428 which are attached to the draping material 404 at a position adjacent the user's cheeks 426. In other embodiments, the facemask 502 may be integral with or otherwise permanently coupled to the draping material 404. Examples of materials that may be used as the one or more facemask coupling elements 428 in embodiments where the facemask 502 is removable include hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buckles, etc.

FIG. 5 depicts the protection apparatus 400 of FIG. 4 according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the facemask 502 is attached to the draping material 404 and the first end 422 and second end (not shown) of the chin protection portion 322 are coupled to one another.

One of skill in the art will recognize that respiration through a material may cause water vapor to accumulate in the material. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the facemask 502 may include breathing vents 504 that aid in respiration and allow the water vapor to escape without being trapped in the material that makes up the facemask 502. Accordingly, the breathing vents 504 allow the user to breathe through his or her nose 424 when the facemask 502 is coupled to the draping material 404 without excessive accumulation of water vapor in the material that makes up the facemask 502.

In certain embodiments, the facemask 502 is coupled to the draping material 404 at a position that ensures that a user's nose 424 and cheeks 426 are protected from the elements. In such an embodiment the facemask 502 is positioned low enough on the draping material 404 to ensure that the facemask 502 does not inhibit the user's vision.

In one embodiment, the facemask 502 may be made of an impact resistant material such as molded foam, plastic, metal, etc. In such an embodiment the facemask 502 may be a rigid attachment that is coupleable to the draping material. An impact resistant facemask 502 may protect a user's nose, cheeks, mouth, etc. from an impact from falling debris. In embodiments wherein the facemask 502 is made of a rigid material, the surface of the facemask 502 facing the user may be lined with an insulating material to insulate the user's nose, cheeks, mouth, etc. from cold or hot environmental characteristics. In other embodiments, the facemask 502 may be lined with a fire retardant, waterproof, or water resistant material to protect the user's nose, cheeks, mouth, etc. from water or fire. In yet another embodiment, the facemask 502 may be made of a fire retardant, waterproof, or water resistant material to protect the user's nose, cheeks, mouth, etc. from water or fire.

In certain embodiments, the facemask 502 may incorporate a breathing tube coupled to an oxygen tank. In such an embodiment the oxygen and breathing tube may be used when the user is involved in high altitude mountaineering to provide a source of oxygen for the user. The oxygen and breathing tube may also be used in other circumstances where oxygen is scarce such as in fire rescues. In another embodiment, the facemask 502 may include a water tube coupled to a water container or other water source. One of skill in the art will recognize that the facemask 502 may incorporate other accessories that may be of use to the user.

FIG. 6A depicts a rear view of a facemask 600 according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. FIG. 6B depicts a side view of the facemask 600 according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. In certain embodiments, the facemask 600 includes a sheet of material 606 that protects a user's nose and/or mouth when the facemask 600 is coupled to a protection apparatus such as protection apparatus 300 or 400. For the purpose of this discussion, the facemask 600 will be discussed with reference to apparatus 400 of FIG. 4. One of skill in the art will recognize that the facemask 600 can also be coupled to the apparatus 300 of FIG. 3.

In one embodiment, the facemask 600 includes attachments 608 disposed at opposing ends of the facemask 600. The attachments 608 are positioned on an inner surface 610 of the sheet of material 606 that makes up the facemask 600. The attachments 608 are alignable with and removably coupleable to the facemask coupling elements 428 on the draping material 404 of the protection apparatus 400. One of skill in the art will recognize that the attachments 608 will typically mate with the facemask coupling elements 428 to couple the facemask 600 to the draping material 404. Thus, where the facemask coupling elements 428 include a male portion of a snap, the attachments 608 will typically be a female portion of a snap.

The facemask 600, in certain embodiments, includes a nose extension portion 602 that extends from a top edge 604 of the facemask 600. The nose extension portion 602 covers the user's nose 424 when the facemask 600 is coupled to the draping material 404. Because the nose extension portion 602 extends higher than the rest of the facemask 600, the user's vision is not inhibited by the facemask 600 when the facemask 600 is coupled to the draping material 404.

As discussed above, in certain embodiments, the facemask 600 may include breathing vents 612 that aid in respiration and allow the water vapor to escape without being trapped in the material that makes up the facemask 600. Accordingly, the breathing vents 612 allow the user to breathe through his or her nose 424 when the facemask 600 is coupled to the draping material 404 without excessive accumulation of water vapor in the material that makes up the facemask 600.

FIGS. 7A-7D depict various views of a clip 700 according to certain embodiments of the present subject matter. Specifically, FIG. 7A depicts a top view of a clip 700 according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. FIG. 7B depicts a rear view of clip 700 according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. FIG. 7C depicts a side view of clip 700 according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. FIG. 7D depicts a top view of a band 726 engaged with clip 700 according to one embodiment of the present subject matter.

In certain embodiments, the clip 700 includes a band engaging surface 702 disposed opposite a helmet engaging surface 704. A top retaining element 706 and a bottom retaining element 708 are coupled to a spacing flange 710 and 712 respectively. The spacing flanges 710 and 712 are coupled to the band engaging surface 702 of the clip 700 to couple the top retaining element 706 and the bottom retaining element 708 to the band engaging surface 702 of the clip 700. In certain embodiments, the spacing flanges 710 and 712 position the top retaining element 706 and the bottom retaining element 708 a sufficient distance from the band engaging surface 702 of the clip 700 to define a band receiving space 714 and 716 between the top retaining element 706 and the bottom retaining element 708 and the band engaging surface 706 respectively. In one embodiment, the band receiving spaces 714 and 716 are approximately a width of a band 718.

A gap 720 between the top retaining element 706 and the bottom retaining element 708 provides access to the band receiving spaces 714 and 716. To engage the band 718 with the clip 700, an edge 722 or 724 of the band 718 is slipped through the gap 720 and the band 718 is manipulated until the band lies substantially flat against the band engaging surface 702. In this position, the top retaining element 706 and the bottom retaining element 708 are positioned on a side of the band 718 opposite the band engaging surface 702 of the clip 700.

In certain embodiments, the clip 700 may be coupled to the outer surface of a helmet that does not already include clips. The clips 700 may be glued or otherwise chemically adhered to the outer surface of the helmet. One of skill in the art will recognize other ways of coupling the clips 700 to the outer surface of a helmet that does not already include clips.

In certain embodiments, the clips 700 may be removably coupled to a helmet that does not already include clips. For example, in one embodiment, band 718 may encircle the helmet and engage the clips 700 to keep the clips 700 coupled to the outer surface of the helmet. In embodiments wherein the band 718 is made of an elastic material, the elasticity of the band may provide a sufficient coupling force to keep the clips 700 positioned on the outer surface of the helmet. In embodiment wherein the band 718 includes an adjusting member 418, the adjusting member adjusts a tension between the band 408 and the outer circumference of the helmet to couple the clips 700 to the helmet.

In certain embodiments, the helmet engaging surface 704 may include a plurality of nodules 726 that extend away from the helmet engaging surface 704 of the clip 700 in a direction opposite the band engaging surface 702 of the clip 700. In such an embodiment the nodules 726 may be made of a nonskid material that prevents slipping of the clip 700 on the outer surface of the helmet.

FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of a helmet 800 according to one embodiment of the present subject matter. The helmet 800 is substantially similar to the helmet 100 depicted in FIG. 1 and discussed above. Helmet 800 differs from helmet 100 in that helmet 800 includes slots 802 disposed through the protective shell 804 of the helmet 800. In certain embodiments, the slots 802 may be configured to couple an earpiece (not shown) to the helmet 800. In another embodiment, the slots 802 are sized to receive a tab 808 on a coupling apparatus 810. The coupling apparatus 810, in one embodiment, is sewn or otherwise coupled to a protection apparatus, such as protection apparatus 300 or protection apparatus 400 discussed above. In this fashion, the coupling apparatus 810, in cooperation with slots 802, couple a protection apparatus to a helmet 800.

Unlike helmet 100, helmet 800 also includes holes 806 disposed through the outer shell 804 of the helmet 800. The holes 806 are configured to attach a visor (not shown) to the helmet 800. In another embodiment, the holes 806 are sized to receive a pinning member 812. In one embodiment the pinning member 812 is sewn or otherwise coupled to a protection apparatus, such as protection apparatus 300 or protection apparatus 400 discussed above. In another embodiment, the pinning member 812 may be positioned through a hole (not shown) in the protection apparatus 300 or protection apparatus 400. In this fashion, the pinning member 812, in cooperation with holes 806, couple a protection apparatus to a helmet 800.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A protection apparatus coupleable to a helmet, the protection apparatus comprising: a draping material coupleable to a helmet, the draping material comprising: a helmet engaging portion; and a protection portion, the protection portion disposed opposite the helmet engaging portion, the helmet engaging portion and the protection portion comprising a pliable fabric, wherein the helmet engaging portion is positionable about an outer circumference of a helmet and wherein the protection portion protects at least one of a user's mouth, neck, and ears when the draping material is coupled to the helmet and the helmet is worn by the user; a coupling element that couples the helmet engaging portion of the draping material to a band, wherein the band is positionable about the outer circumference of the helmet and is engageable with at least one clip on an outer surface of the helmet, wherein engagement of the band with the at least one clip maintains a coupling between the draping material and the helmet.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a band positionable about the circumference of the helmet and engageable with the at least one clip on the outer surface of the helmet, the band maintaining the coupling between the draping material and the helmet.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising an adjusting member engageable with the band, the adjusting member adjusting a tension between the band and the outer circumference of the helmet.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the band comprises an accessory band for coupling an accessory to the helmet, wherein the coupling element couples the helmet engaging portion of the draping material to the accessory band without interfering with an engagement between the accessory band and the at least one clip.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the coupling element comprises at least one loop of fabric coupled to the helmet engaging portion of the draping material, wherein the band is positionable through the at least one loop of fabric and engageable with the at least one clip on the outer surface of the helmet.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the helmet engaging portion of the draping material comprises at least one extension of fabric extending from an end of the helmet engaging portion opposite the protection portion of the draping material, the at least one extension of fabric positionable around the band.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the coupling element comprises an attachment, wherein the attachment couples the at least one extension to the helmet engaging portion of the draping material to form a loop around the band.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a facemask removably coupleable to the protection portion of the draping material, the facemask protecting a user's nose when the facemask is coupled to the draping material.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the helmet engaging portion of the draping material comprises a first type of fabric and wherein the protection portion of the draping material comprises a second type of material.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first type of material comprises an elastic material that resiliently conforms to a shape of the helmet.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the draping material is insulated.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the draping material is water resistant.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the draping material is fire retardant.
 14. A protection apparatus coupleable to a helmet, the protection apparatus comprising: a pliable draping material coupleable to a helmet, the pliable draping material comprising: a helmet engaging portion; and a protection portion coupled to the helmet engaging portion, wherein the protection portion protects at least one of a user's mouth, neck, and ears; a coupling element that couples the helmet engaging portion of the draping material to a band, wherein the band is engageable with at least one clip on an outer surface of the helmet.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein engagement between the band and the at least one clip removeably couples the pliable draping material to the helmet.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising an adjusting member engageable with the band, the adjusting member adjusting a tension between the band and an outer circumference of the helmet.
 17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the band comprises an accessory band for coupling an accessory to the helmet, wherein the coupling element couples the helmet engaging portion of the draping material to the accessory band without interfering with an engagement between the accessory band and the at least one clip.
 18. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the coupling element comprises at least one loop of fabric coupled to the helmet engaging portion of the draping material, wherein the band is positionable through the at least one loop of fabric and engageable with the at least one clip on the outer surface of the helmet.
 19. A pliable draping material coupleable to a helmet, the pliable draping material comprising: a helmet engaging portion; and a protection portion coupled to the helmet engaging portion, wherein the protection portion protects at least one of a user's mouth, neck, and ears; a band positionable about a circumference of the helmet; and a coupling element that couples the helmet engaging portion of the draping material to a band, wherein the band is engageable with at least one clip on an outer surface of the helmet.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the band comprises an accessory band for coupling an accessory to the helmet, wherein the coupling element couples the helmet engaging portion of the draping material to the accessory band without interfering with an engagement between the accessory band and the at least one clip. 